How to Do Transcendental Meditation

You can pay big for lessons on how to do transcendental meditation at a meditation center, but you can also learn how to do the basic mediation practices on your own, in your home. Over 600 studies have proven its effectiveness for lowering stress levels, heightening creativity, increasing problem-solving skills, and improving your sense of well-being.

Learning meditation techniques requires dedication and practice more than anything. It is something that is learned through repetition and diligence. You will want to set aside 20 minutes, 3 times a day, and will need to reserve a special place in your home for these mediation sessions. Clear the area of any distractions and paint the area a solid, soothing color. If you can, designate an entire closet or room as a mediation room and invest in some comfortable, supportive pillows or cushions.

You will also need to choose a word or short, simple phrase as a mantra. This mantra should be positive but not distracting. You may want to focus on a word like "peace" or "love" or a Sanskrit word or sound such as "ohm."

For 20 minutes, 3 times each day, will need to settle yourself in your meditation spot and close your eyes. Set an egg timer so you will not have to worry about how long you have been meditating. Focus on your steady, rhythmic breathing as you calm yourself. When you are calmed sufficiently, begin repeating your mantra (either out loud or in your mind) with every breath and empty your mind of all thoughts. When a thought comes to your attention, acknowledge it blandly and then let it drift away, calmly redirecting your attention to the repetition of your mantra and your breathing. As you do this, you will begin to discover private, intimate truths about yourself. These truths will come to you during meditation and will calm, heal and enlighten your soul.

Whether you go it alone, join a meditation group or work with a teacher, there are many benefits of meditation like helping reduce stress, lowering your blood pressure and improving your outlook on life.

The effects of meditation on the mind are now, through recent studies, revealing that those who meditate really do have keener focus, better recall and even improved immunity against disease and depression.

Zen Buddhism and Meditation Zen Buddhists place an emphasis on learning about the nature of human existence and learning to cope with it. It may be hard at times to live in this difficult world but Buddhists try to accept the world for what it is.